Internet Invitational superlatives, Ep. 1: Luke Kwon’s redemption, Bobby Ray’s threat and Claire Hogel’s bizarre conversation starter

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The Internet Invitational is back and bigger than ever. With 64 players in the field and $4 million on the line, Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports’ viral sensation has gone from surprise hit to internet juggernaut in the span of just 12 months. So for each episode of II2, we’ll be dishing out superlatives like your high school yearbook, highlighting all the winners, losers and weirdos from the influencer Masters. So kick back, relax and, whatever you do, remember to turn that slope off.

Feel-Good Moment

We didn’t have tears on the day-one bingo card, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the family of Cody “Beef” Franke, who passed away shortly after winning last year’s Internet Invitational, took the stage to kick off the tournament and commemorate the newly minted Cody “Beef” Franke Trophy.

RELATED: Check out the handicap indexes of the biggest Internet Invitational stars (and scrubs)

Best of all, Franke’s mother, brother and step-father announced two new initiatives inspired the late Internet Invitational champ—the Cody “Beef” Franke Heart of the Course Award, which celebrates the golf club employee who keeps everything ticking behind the scenes and brightens everyone’s day, and the Cody “Beef” Franke Foundation for Golf, which seeks to provide scholarships and opportunities to those pursuing careers in golf course management. Though somber, it was an amazing way to begin this year’s Internet Invitational, giving the entire tournament meaning and purpose beyond just clicks.

Best Redemption Arc

Before Malosi Togisala’s Slopegate controversy captured the imagination (and ire) of the golf world, Luke Kwon was the heel of the 2025 Internet Invitational. Kwon overslept his opening tee time at Big Cedar Lodge, got into a verbal sparring match with Ryan Whitney at lunch in front of the entire field, and, despite a rousing Jon Gruden “it’s halftime America” speech, was ultimately eliminated along with the rest of his team on day one.

Most golf tournaments wouldn’t invite you back after a stunt like that, but the Internet Invitational is not most golf tournaments. For better or worse, Dave Portnoy craves drama above all else, so not only was Kwon invited back, he was welcomed with open arms. He redeemed himself too, at least in terms of punctuality, by pitching a tent on the opening green so there was no way he would get caught snoozing again. Nice one, Kwon.

Trash Talk King

Short Game King. The popular golf influencer was the first player of the 2026 Internet Invitational to get threatened with physical violence when he triggered long-drive looksmaxxer Bobby Ray by asking if he was wearing basketball shoes just as he was about to address his ball.

RELATED: Tiger Woods texts other tour pros trash talk from the gym at 4 a.m.

Despite the high-risk strategy of needling someone who could flatten you like an Acme anvil, it paid off for SGK and his partner Roger Steele, who won their opening match 4 and 2 over Ray and Paige Spiranac (though Steele later seemed to side his friend Bobby Ray over his playing partner). We also need to give a shout out to Big John, who, in addition to absolutely balling out during his first match, spent much of his Internet Invitational debut tormenting Dave Portnoy. If you think trash talking a guy with a 229-mph ball speed is risky, try trolling the CEO on your first day on the job. That takes REAL stones.

Most Awkward

OK, so quick tip: When making small talk in the cart with a playing partner, avoid asking them if they’ve been diagnosed with any mental illnesses and then acting shocked when they say “only anxiety.”

That was the bizarre sequence that played out between Claire Hogel and Sam Heung Min during their opening match, when Hogel, got loud, animated and maybe even a little slurry seemingly out of nowhere.

“That’s it!?” she asked, incredulous that the only thing Heung Min ever been formally diagnosed with was anxiety.

“Just anxiety. I didn’t go to school since I was 13, that’s probably why. So no social skills. Bit of a f—kwit,” Heung Min said. “Hehehe … fuckwit, what’s that?” Hogel asked, giggling.

“Just a muppet,” Heung Min said.

“Hehe … a muppet, what’s that?” Hogel asked again, giggling some more.

Heung looked truly lost with how to deal with Hogel, but moments later sunk a long eagle putt to win the hole (Hogel’s try was also very close). As he and Hogel walked off the green, she began laughing uncontrollably, throwing her arm around her playing partner’s shoulders without invitation. Heung Min called himself “strange” during the exchange, but Hogel came across as the much stranger ranger.

Shot of the Day

How about Evan Thompson nearly acing the par-4 fifth with a lasered 2-iron? As Johnny Football, playing against Thompson at the time, said, “There’s not much you can do when he flags it eight feet short of the pin with a f—ing 2-iron.” Truth, Johnny. Truth.

Strongest Flex

Last year’s MVP and champion Brad Dalke showed up rocking in his pink victory jacket from 2025. As Tiger Woods proved time and time again over the years, your entrance MATTERS. Hope you’re taking, notes kids.

Biggest Winner(s)

Last year, almost the entire Bob Does Sports crew, not to mention George and Wesley Bryan, were eliminated by the end of the first day. Thanks in large part to a “green wave” in 2026, each guy now looks poised to advance to day two. It’s not over until it’s over, but our fingers are crossed, because the Internet Invitational is better with four of the most likable dudes in YouTube golf (Robby Berger, Fat Perez, Joey Cold Cuts and George Bryan) and one entertaining villain (Wesley Bryan) on the course.

This article was originally published on golfdigest.com